Course Readings: Web Gallery

Panel from the Saint Francis Altarpiece, San Francesco, Pescia, Italy (1235) by Bonaventura Berlinghieri

This sample of late medieval art in Italy depicts Saint Francis only a decade after his death. Indeed, it is one of the earliest representations of the saint. In this piece, he wears the robes of his order and bears the stigmata on both hands—a sign of God's blessing. Scenes on either side of Saint Francis depict various incidents from his life where he preached in public, healed the sick, and cast away demons. The painting's stylized representation of objects, flatness, heavy employment of gold leaf, and overall tone suggest a Byzantine influence.